Melissa Johns

The board approved various curriculum changes at West Valley College and Mission College, and ratified dual enrollment partnership agreements with several local high school districts. Other actions included authorizing international travel for faculty and staff for professional development and research programs, accepting financial reports, and approving budget adjustments. The board adopted resolutions regarding the issuance of general obligation bonds and the establishment of tax rates. Additionally, several facilities and construction-related contracts were approved for site improvements, roof replacements, and inspection/laboratory services for the Wellness Center project. A first reading was conducted for a board policy on residence determination.

Mission College's 2025-2028 Student Equity Plan is a comprehensive commitment to ensuring every student, regardless of their background, has a real opportunity to succeed. The plan intensifies its focus on Black/African American, first-generation, and Latinx students, addressing critical stages of their academic journey: connection, entry, progress, completion, and transition. Key objectives include increasing successful enrollment for Black/African American women, enhancing transfer-level math and English completion for first-generation female and Latinx students, strengthening student persistence, and boosting completion rates for first-generation and Hispanic male students, alongside expanding transfer success for Asian female and first-generation students. The initiative also prioritizes comprehensive education plans to provide clear roadmaps, fostering an environment of belonging, access, and completion for all students.

The meeting commenced with procedural opening items, including roll call and a procedural approval for governing board member virtual participation under 'Just Cause' or 'Reasonable Accommodation' provisions. Following a closed session discussion on public employee discipline, the public session reconvened. Key agenda items included reports from the Audit and Budget Oversight Committee (ABOC) and the Legislative and Policy Oversight Committee (LPOC). The consent agenda featured several action items: approval of curriculum changes at West Valley College and Mission College; approval for a West Valley College STEM study abroad program in Iceland and faculty/staff attendance at various professional development conferences (ADES in Ghana and APAHE in Anaheim); approval of project assignment increases for the Mission College Library Renovation and the West Valley College Information Systems Building Data Center HVAC Upgrade Project; establishment of the 2026-2027 nonresident tuition rate; and approval of financial statements and budget adjustments for the second quarter (October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025). Advancements included accepting several significant gifts totaling $311,131 to the WVMCCD Foundation from various donors. Human Resources addressed the extension of the appointment for the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. Under Facilities Development & Operations, resolutions were adopted for emergency contracts to address water damage at the West Valley College Student Services Center and roadway repairs on East College Circle, along with the acceptance of completed parking lot repairs at the Mission Campus and approval of bids for the West Valley College Performing Arts Center.

The regular board meeting covered several procedural items, including affirming virtual participation under state code and recognizing the outgoing Board President. A focus topic was presented on the Free Meal Plan First-Semester Update. Business items approved included curriculum changes for West Valley College and Mission College, approval for student groups from both colleges to attend college tours and summits, acceptance of completed basic construction contracts for abatement/make-ready and parking lot resurfacing projects at West Valley College, and approval for the rebase of Measure C and Measure W project priorities. The Board also ratified purchase order transactions, approved personnel transactions, and authorized agreements for engineering services for the Mission College Gillmor Center Boiler Project and inspector of record services for the West Valley College Performing Arts Center. Additionally, an amendment to the contract with Hensel Phelps Construction Company for the West Valley College Physical Education/Wellness Center Project was approved, and the 2025 Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report was accepted. Several gifts to the WVMCCD Foundation were also accepted.

The meeting included a presentation of the FY 24/25 district financial audit, which received an unmodified opinion, indicating accurate and complete financial data. Key sections of the audit, such as the management discussion and analysis and revenue/expense summaries, were highlighted. A change in GASB Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences, required a restatement of net position as of July 1, 2024, with which the district was found to be in compliance. The committee also reviewed and recommended the 2026 Budget Calendar, outlining key dates for budget preparation and approvals.